feet growing

[Foster]

Dr. Steve,

is it possible for your feet to start growing again after reaching adulthood?

Over the past few weeks it seems my shoes have been tighter, putting a lot of pressure on my toes. I bought a new pair of sneakers two weeks ago and had to go 1/2 a size larger than usual, and even they are starting to feel tight.

Its also possible my arms and legs are getting longer too, because my pants and shirts sleeves seem to be too short (though they might have just shrunk in the wash).

[Dr Steve]

Dr. Steve,

is it possible for your feet to start growing again after reaching adulthood?

Over the past few weeks it seems my shoes have been tighter, putting a lot of pressure on my toes. I bought a new pair of sneakers two weeks ago and had to go 1/2 a size larger than usual, and even they are starting to feel tight.

Its also possible my arms and legs are getting longer too, because my pants and shirts sleeves seem to be too short (though they might have just shrunk in the wash).

hmmmm...there is this thing called "Acromegaly", where you start producing growth hormone again after you've stopped growing. Generally those people sweat a lot, and have a lot of pain in their bones. They tend to have a classic look as well:

http://img.tfd.com/mosby/thumbs/500038-fx7.jpg

since the growth plates are already closed, only certain bones will still grow in the presence of growth hormone. It's easy to diagnose with a simple blood test.

This is a relatively unusual condition, however. The more likely solution to your problem is that your arches are falling. Think about it...if you have a curved 3 dimensional object, and flatten it out, it'll get LONGER from end to end. A podiatrist can help you with this...they really can do wonders for foot problems.

let me know if any of this resonates.


your pal,



steve

[~Katja~]

Dr. Steve,

is it possible for your feet to start growing again after reaching adulthood?

Over the past few weeks it seems my shoes have been tighter, putting a lot of pressure on my toes. I bought a new pair of sneakers two weeks ago and had to go 1/2 a size larger than usual, and even they are starting to feel tight.

Its also possible my arms and legs are getting longer too, because my pants and shirts sleeves seem to be too short (though they might have just shrunk in the wash).

maybe you are pregnant

[biggirl]

I was just going to say that Katja. I went from size 7 to 8 to 9 from one pregnancy to the next...crazy! My friend told it was because of additional weight bearing down on the arch made the foot longer...sounds logical, but my arch is still the same.

My nose got bigger too...yea!

[Dr Steve]

I was just going to say that Katja. I went from size 7 to 8 to 9 from one pregnancy to the next...crazy! My friend told it was because of additional weight bearing down on the arch made the foot longer...sounds logical, but my arch is still the same.

My nose got bigger too...yeah

"edema", or swelling in the feet, could cause it as well...as we age, gravity pulls more and more fluid into our lower extremities, causing swelling that you could perceive as shoe tightening. New onset edema should always be checked out by a health care professional. If you notice your socks are making a mark on your leg now, it may be fluid.

[Foster]

maybe you are pregnant

I'll stop by the drugstore on the way home and pick-up one of those kits

[Chigworthy]

Clip your toenails, you filthy animal.

[debit]

Maybe you are just getting fatter and now your feet are too fat for your shoes. Try wearing flip flops.

[Foster's Blackberry]

Clip your toenails, you filthy animal.

I do

[Foster's Blackberry]

Maybe you are just getting fatter and now your feet are too fat for your shoes. Try wearing flip flops.

I'm not getting fat!

[~Katja~]

I'll stop by the drugstore on the way home and pick-up one of those kits
Plan B :unsure:

[Contra]

I'll stop by the drugstore on the way home and pick-up one of those kits

A wire hanger?

[boosterp]

Foster is fairly healthy, so I say you need to book a physical with your primary. Make sure to let him/her know of the foot thing and I would ask for a chest x-ray and EKG.

How old are your shoes?

Also, I know you work on show rooms (seen the pic) so you stand a lot. A PT or podiatrist can measure aspects of your foot and not only let you know what is going on (after your physical) but also custom make insoles if need be.

[razorboy]

A wire hanger?

That's Plan C.